Leeds United have emerged as the front-runners to sign Southampton shot-stopper Fraser Forster, according to reports from Gloucestershire Live's transfer gossip column.

The six-time England international has fallen out of favour at St. Mary's Stadium, and has failed to make an appearance for the Saints this season after falling behind Alex McCarthy and Angus Gunn in the pecking order.

Leeds have been strongly linked with the signing of Newcastle United's Karl Darlow and have reportedly enquired about the 28-year old, who has also fallen out of favour at his current club, making just one appearance for the Magpies this season having become second-choice to Martin Dubravka at St. James' Park.

But reports now claim that the Whites have emerged as front-runners to land 30-year old Forster, after Marcelo Bielsa failed with a bid to sign him in the summer.

Leeds have been searching for a goalkeeper ever since Chelsea loanee Jamal Blackman had his loan spell cut short at Elland Road, after breaking his leg in a development match last month.

The Whites currently sit at the top of the Championship, as we approach the halfway point of the 2018/19 campaign.

The Verdict

This saga just doesn't want to end does it?

Leeds looked set to sign Darlow with both parties keen on a move, but this latest report certainly throws a spanner in the works.

Forster would be a very astute signing for Leeds, and at 6-foot-7, he'd add some real presence to the Leeds' backline.